Complaint Filed with California Attorney general Against "The Treehouse Inc.", A Non-Profit Charity Established To Support Autistic Children
Another day, another charity goes unchecked by California Attorney General, Bill Lockyer. Public Interest Watch (PIW) has uncovered that a complaint was filed against "The Treehouse Inc" with the California Attorney General's Office. The complaint alleges that the organization, based in Sacramento, failed to register within the prescribed time period as required under California Government Code Section 12585.
"The Treehouse Inc." (Treehouse), a California based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was incorporated by Michelle Wenell in 2003. According to the California Secretary of State, Treehouse was founded to provide "funding for the advancement of children with Autism and their families in need through individual scholarships for in home-programs, school placements, or classroom assistance."
Prior to January 1, 2005, a charitable organization has 6 months to register with the Attorney General’s Office after receiving assets. In tax documents recently obtained by PIW, it was uncovered that Treehouse was in receipt of thousands of dollars in contributions in 2004, and even set up a major fundraiser that same year according to a news letter published on the internet.
However, despite being in receipt of assets in 2004, PIW has learned that Treehouse did not officially register with the Attorney General’s Office until September 15, 2005. Thus, it appears Treehouse waited at least 8 months after receiving assets before registering, which is beyond the 6 month time period prescribed under Government Code Section 12585.
"Treehouse, is just one example of the many organizations that PIW has identified over the years who have failed to meet reporting guidelines as required by law", stated Lewis Fein, PIW Executive Director. "I have great respect for people who dedicate their lives to assisting those in need, but that's all the more reason to hold organizations like Treehouse accountable. Non profits must meet a higher standard of public trust, and to do that they must scrupulously follow the letter of the law", Fein continued.
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